Rail replacement bus service
A rail replacement bus service uses buses to replace a passenger train service either on a temporary or permanent basis. The train service that is replaced may be of any type such as light rail, tram, streetcar, commuter rail, regional rail or heavy rail, intercity passenger service. The rail service may be replaced if the line is closed due to rail maintenance, a breakdown of a train, a rail accident, strike action, or if the rail service is not economically viable. Terms for a rail replacement bus service include bustitution (a portmanteau of the words "bus" and "substitution") and bus bridge.
Examples
Australia
In Australia a permanent or temporary rail-replacement service change is often referred to as bustitution.
Canada
Rail replacement with buses by Via Rail in Canada is referred to as bustitution.
New Zealand
In Auckland train services are sometimes replaced by a bus, termed a Rail Bus. Historically, New Zealand Railways Road Services replaced many train routes with buses.
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